Today, as more and more industries adopt unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mapping and modelling for its quick and accurate results, certain industry applications benefit from alternative forms of data capture, especially where UAV flights are either not possible or are inconvenient. The construction industry is one of them, as it needs the ability to automatically collect site data, analyse it collectively and monitor site development over time. Documenting and measuring sites on a regular basis is necessary, although time consuming and/or costly. That is why Pix4D has developed, in collaboration with Liebherr, a new way to collect site data which leverages equipment already on site. By mounting a camera system on a tower crane and combining it with Pix4Dbim software, Pix4D provides an automated and non-intrusive way to monitor construction sites daily, from an aerial perspective.

Urban areas

While the crane completes its normal operations, camera sensors detect movement and automatically activate the data collection. As soon as enough high resolution images are captured, data is wirelessly transmitted to the Pix4D cloud to be turned into 2D maps and 3D models. Once on the Pix4Dbim cloud, deliverables are easily analysed and shared; anyone who needs to review the current site status can remotely access the results. Advanced editing tools are also available using Pix4Dbim desktop software.

Because image capture and processing is automatic, no human intervention is required to get a daily online visualisation of the as-built site status. Pix4D’s solution makes it possible to verify and keep the BIM process on track than to have automatic updates of the site. The company’s hybrid technology gives mapping professionals the freedom of mobile data capture, along with seamless editing and analysis on both desktop and cloud.

UAV images can also be incorporated into the workflow, providing a complete solution for comprehensive site coverage, from the earliest earthwork stages.

Exclusive Early Adopter Program

To introduce the crane camera solution, Pix4D is launching an Early Adopter Program: fifty construction professionals will be selected to receive a free prototype camera to install and test on their site, in exchange for feedback of the system. Camera use is free-of-charge and members will benefit from exclusive access to Pix4Dbim cloud and desktop software solutions.